Bear Mountain out to attract new businesses

Posted on February 12, 2016

Ecoasis, owner of Bear Mountain Resort, has named Dale Gann as its director of business development as the company eyes economic diversification.

Gann is the former president of the Vancouver Island Technology Park, a volunteer on Langford’s economic development committee and, in 2012, ran an unsuccessful federal campaign as the Conservative candidate for Victoria.

“We have spent the past year getting to know the community, and setting in place tactical foundations for excellence and expertise in sport development and community planning,” Ecoasis chief executive Dan Matthews said in a statement. “We are strategically positioned now to continue this theme of creating spaces and opportunities that inspire and promote excellence, this time on the economic development front.”

Matthews said the plan is to advance development using a phased approach that is responsive to market conditions.

The company views Gann as a key in helping to build a dynamic economic community at Bear Mountain, using his established business network.

“The power of place plays a key role in today’s economies,” Gann said. “I am proud to join the Ecoasis team at Bear Mountain, where I see infinite opportunities. West Coast cities are rapidly becoming unaffordable and our lifestyle factors are a huge draw. Bear Mountain is a fantastic canvas for small business development, particularly the technology sector.”

Gann cites CD Systems, a digital image editing and management company that runs its Canadian operations out of Bear Mountain.

Martin Winstanley, vice-president of development for ACD, called Bear Mountain “a premium location, where the economics make sense, outdoor lifestyle amenities reign supreme and our connectivity has enabled us to grow our business around the world.”

Mayor Stew Young said Langford is laying the groundwork for business development in the region.

“We made it clear that a key objective in Langford’s economic strategy is the attraction of the knowledge economy,” said Young.

“Council has created a land and tax policy to drive a highly desirable commercial environment throughout the community. We want our citizens and their children to have fulfilling, vital career opportunities right here at home. Success at Bear Mountain builds awareness and creates energy to stimulate economic growth for the entire region.”

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